The National Air and Space Museum commemorates the history of flight and educates and inspires people through its collections, exhibitions, research, and programs related to aviation, space flight, and planetary studies.

HIGHLIGHTED TOPIC:

Clamp, Marmon, Echo 1

Launched in 1960, Echo 1 was one of the first attempts to assess requirements and techniques for conducting communications via space. The satellite was a remarkably simple device: A reflective sphere 30 meters (100 feet) in diameter. Serving as a "mirror" in space, signals directed at the satellite from one location on Earth reflected back down to another location. By the time Echo 2 was launched in 1964, other types of communications satellites had proven superior, and researchers used the Echos primarily for scientific experiments.

Echo satellites posed a unique technical challenge. They were essentially balloons sent into orbit folded flat and then inflated in space. Inflation had to proceed carefully to ensure the integrity of the satellite's surface.

This artifact is a clamp that secured the launch canister (with balloon inside) to the final stage rocket. It was transferred from NASA to the Museum in 1979.

Launched in 1960, Echo 1 was one of the first attempts to assess requirements and techniques for conducting communications via space. The satellite was a remarkably simple device: A reflective sphere 30 meters (100 feet) in diameter. Serving as a "mirror" in space, signals directed at the satellite from one location on Earth reflected back down to another location. By the time Echo 2 was launched in 1964, other types of communications satellites had proven superior, and researchers used the Echos primarily for scientific experiments.

Echo satellites posed a unique technical challenge. They were essentially balloons sent into orbit folded flat and then inflated in space. Inflation had to proceed carefully to ensure the integrity of the satellite's surface.

This artifact is a clamp that secured the launch canister (with balloon inside) to the final stage rocket. It was transferred from NASA to the Museum in 1979.

Transferred from NASA, Langley Research Center

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

SPACECRAFT-Unmanned-Parts & Structural Components

Materials

Aluminum, steel

Dimensions

Overall: 1.59 x 30.48cm (5/8in. x 1ft)

ID: A19791315001

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.